BMW 3 series e21

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Generation: E21 Production Years: 1975-1983 Codes Chassis Code: E21 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW E21 established the modern compact...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 562554

Tags: 3 Series 3 series e21 BMW Car Cars

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

3 Series

Generation:

Production Years:

1975-1983

Codes

Chassis Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Positioning:

The BMW E21 established the modern compact executive sedan segment, offering a balance of sporty driving dynamics and premium build quality.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 80/Fox, Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Volvo 240 Series

Key Features

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, near-perfect weight distribution, driver-focused cockpit.

Design:

Iconic Hofmeister kink, upright kidney grille, clean lines, excellent visibility.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Repair

Engine Coverage:

M10, M20 (4-cylinder and 6-cylinder variants)

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual (Getrag 245), 3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP18, ZF 3HP22)

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

500-1000+

Manual Type

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English (assumed, based on typical manual offerings for this model)

Format

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication system

Fuel System:

Carburetor (Zenith, Solex, Weber), Fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, K-Jetronic)

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing adjustment

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan

Exhaust System:

Manifold, catalytic converter (later models), muffler, pipes

Transmission Mechanical:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, differential

Suspension:

Front struts, rear trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings

Steering:

Steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front discs, rear drums, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, fuses, relays

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, rust repair

Heating And Ventilation:

Blower motor, heater core, ventilation controls

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, belt adjustments

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair:

Component replacement, major overhaul procedures, specific repair instructions

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed steps for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle systems

Diagnostics:

Electrical system testing, fuel system pressure testing, engine compression testing

Painting:

Surface preparation, paint application guidelines, touch-up procedures

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications and diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable:

Yes (typically, for well-produced digital manuals)

Print Quality

Printability:

Printable by section or in full

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Code 1:

M10 (M10B18, M10B20)

Engine Code 2:

M20 (M20B20, M20B23)

Performance 1

Displacement 1:

1.8L (1766cc) and 2.0L (1990cc) for M10

Horsepower 1:

90-105 hp for M10 variants

Torque 1:

140-170 Nm for M10 variants

Performance 2

Displacement 2:

2.0L (1990cc) and 2.3L (2316cc) for M20

Horsepower 2:

105-143 hp for M20 variants

Torque 2:

165-205 Nm for M20 variants

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (e.g., Zenith 35/40 INAT, Solex 40 ADDHE) or Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection

Engine Design

Configuration:

Inline-4 (M10), Inline-6 (M20)

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual

Optional

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 245), 3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP18/3HP22)

Features

Gear Ratios 5Spd:

Specific ratios vary by model, but typical 5-speed ratios are available in the manual.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

Approx. 4360 mm (171.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1625 mm (64.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2563 mm (100.9 in)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1100-1250 kg (2425-2755 lbs), depending on engine and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model, typically around 1600-1700 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era, but known for robust chassis construction.

Active Features

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes (later models, common on 6-cyl), power-assisted brakes (optional)

Passive Features

Passive Safety:

Crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, padded dashboard and steering wheel, seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Infotainment System:

Basic analog radio, cassette player (optional). No digital infotainment.

Driver Assistance

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards; focus is on mechanical feedback and driver control.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Timing Belt Chain:

M10 and M20 engines use timing chains, generally requiring inspection rather than scheduled replacement, though tensioners and guides may need attention.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 km.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check specific model/year for recommendations).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent.

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.

Known Issues

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, battery tray, rear window seal area.

Engine Issues:

Oil leaks from front/rear main seals, oil pan gasket; cooling system leaks; carburetor tuning issues.

Electrical Issues:

Aging wiring harnesses, failing voltage regulators, instrument cluster issues.

Suspension Issues:

Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, worn shock absorbers.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Heritage:

BMW's reputation for building sporty, driver-oriented sedans was cemented with the 3 Series lineage starting with the E21.

Model Evolution

Evolution:

The E21 succeeded the BMW 02 Series and introduced BMW's first monocoque chassis design for a compact car. It laid the groundwork for all subsequent 3 Series generations.

Production

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich), also assembled in other BMW facilities worldwide.

Production Volume:

Over 1.3 million units produced globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Notable Awards:

While specific awards are scarce, the E21 was widely praised by automotive journalists for its handling and build quality, establishing the 'ultimate driving machine' ethos for the 3 Series.